Georgia licenses barbers through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, which operates under the Georgia Secretary of State. You need a Georgia Master Barber license to legally perform barbering services including hair cutting, styling, shaving, beard services, and chemical treatments for compensation anywhere in the state.
Georgia requires 1,500 hours of approved training at a Board-approved barber school (or 3,000 hours through apprenticeship) and passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The total application and exam fees are approximately $178. Most people complete the full process in 9 to 12 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Georgia Barber License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Master Barber |
| Governing Agency | Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (Secretary of State) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old (16 for apprenticeship) |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma, GED, or postsecondary education degree |
| Training Hours Required | 1,500 hours at a Board-approved school (minimum 9 months) OR 3,000 hours apprenticeship (minimum 18 months) |
| State Board Exam | Written Exam (100 questions, 70% to pass) + Practical Exam (hands-on, 70% to pass) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Written Exam Fee | $59 (paid to PSI) |
| Practical Exam Fee | $89 (paid to PSI) |
| Application Fee | $30 (non-refundable) |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $178 (plus school tuition) |
| License Term | 2 years (expires December 31 of even-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours per renewal cycle |
| Apply Online | Georgia GOALS Portal |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in a Georgia barber program and apply for licensure, you must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma, GED, or postsecondary education degree. Georgia also requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character, which means a criminal background check may be required as part of the application process.
If you are at least 16 years old and want to start training immediately, you can begin through the apprenticeship pathway while completing your education requirements.
Step 2: Complete Your Training
Georgia offers two pathways to satisfy the training requirement for a Master Barber license.
Option A: Barber School (1,500 Hours)
Complete 1,500 clock hours of technical instruction and practical training at a barber school licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. The program must span a minimum of 9 months.
The curriculum covers hair cutting and styling techniques, shaving with straight and safety razors, beard and mustache services, shampooing and scalp treatments, hair coloring and bleaching, permanent waving and chemical relaxing, facial treatments, sanitation and infection control, and Georgia laws and rules.
Most full-time programs take 9 to 12 months to complete. Part-time schedules may take 15 to 18 months. Tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $18,000 depending on the school and location.
Important: Cosmetology schools may not teach barbering in Georgia. You must attend a Board-approved barber school specifically.
Option B: Apprenticeship (3,000 Hours)
Complete 3,000 hours of supervised training as a registered apprentice in a licensed barbershop. The apprenticeship must span a minimum of 18 months.
To begin an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old, register for an apprentice license with the Georgia Board ($90 application fee), train under a Master Barber who has held a license for at least 36 months, and record your hours daily on the appropriate training form.
Important: Apprentices who receive their license on or after July 1, 2019 must take the theory (written) portion of the examination within the first 12 months of their apprenticeship per O.C.G.A. § 43-10-13(c). It is the supervising master’s responsibility to complete and submit a transcript for the required theory hours so the apprentice may receive their letter of eligibility for the theory examination.
Each supervising Master Barber in a shop may have only one apprentice at a time.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Examinations
Georgia requires both a written (theory) examination and a practical examination for licensure. Both exams are administered by PSI Services LLC using the National Barber examination developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
Exam Eligibility
After completing your training, your school will notify PSI of your eligibility to take the examinations. You will receive an eligibility notice with instructions for scheduling your exams. If you completed training through apprenticeship, you must request a Letter of Eligibility from the Georgia Board by submitting your completed training transcripts. The first request is free; subsequent requests cost $25.
If you completed your training hours on or after July 1, 2018, you have 48 months to take and pass your state board exams. If you do not pass within 48 months, you will be required to repeat the required training hours.
Written (Theory) Examination
| Number of Questions | 100 graded multiple-choice questions (plus unscored pretest items) |
| Time Allowed | 90 minutes (plus 15-minute tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Format | Computer-based test |
| Languages | English only |
| Exam Fee | $59 paid to PSI |
Written Exam Content Areas
The written exam covers the following subject areas based on the NIC examination outline:
Scientific Concepts: Hair and scalp analysis, anatomy, physiology, chemistry of products and services.
Hair Services: Haircutting, clipper cutting, styling, shampooing, and conditioning.
Chemical Services: Hair coloring, lightening, permanent waving, and chemical relaxing.
Shaving and Facial Services: Straight razor shaving, beard and mustache trimming, facial treatments.
Infection Control and Safety: Sanitation, disinfection, safety procedures, and disease prevention.
Business Practices: Professional ethics, Georgia laws and rules, salon management.
Practical Examination
| Format | Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $89 paid to PSI |
| Live Model Required | Yes (you must bring a live model) |
The practical exam tests your ability to perform barbering services safely and competently. You will demonstrate haircutting, shaving, and other services on a live model. You must bring all required implements and supplies as specified in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
Scheduling Your Exams
Schedule your exams through PSI using one of the following methods:
Online at psiexams.com, by phone at (855) 744-0314 (Monday-Friday 7:30am-8:00pm ET, Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm ET), by fax at (702) 932-2666, or by mail to PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121.
You may take the written and practical exams on the same day (combined fee $147) or schedule them separately. You will receive your written exam score immediately on screen. Practical exam results are typically available within 30 business days.
If You Fail Either Exam
If you do not pass either exam, you may retake it by paying the exam fee again and scheduling a new appointment with PSI. There is no limit on the number of retakes within the 48-month window. A diagnostic report will show which areas you need to improve.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
After passing both exams, you may apply for your Master Barber license through the Georgia Online Licensing (GOALS) portal or by mail using a paper application.
The application fee is $30 (non-refundable). You will need to provide proof of passing both exams, proof of high school diploma or GED, government-issued ID, Social Security card, and any required criminal history disclosures.
Processing takes approximately 15 business days for online applications. Georgia is no longer accepting paper applications for most license types—all applications must be submitted through the GOALS portal.
Barber II License: An Alternative Option
Georgia offers a Barber II license for those who want to practice barbering but with a more limited scope. The Barber II license allows you to perform most barbering services excluding chemical services (coloring, permanent waving, relaxing).
| License Type | School Hours | Apprenticeship Hours | Minimum Duration |
| Master Barber | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours | 9 months (school) / 18 months (apprenticeship) |
| Barber II | 1,140 hours | 2,280 hours | 7 months (school) / 14 months (apprenticeship) |
The Barber II license requires fewer training hours but limits your scope of practice. If you plan to offer chemical services (hair coloring, perms, relaxers), you will need the full Master Barber license.
License Renewal
Georgia Master Barber and Barber II licenses must be renewed every two years. Master Barber licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.).
| Renewal Fee | $50 ($100 if late) |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours per renewal cycle |
| Renewal Period Opens | Approximately October 1 |
| Renewal Deadline | December 31 of even-numbered years |
| Late Renewal Period | January 1 through January 31 |
| Renewal Method | GOALS Portal |
Continuing Education Requirements
To renew your license, you must complete 5 hours of Board-approved continuing education:
3 hours: Health and safety course developed or approved by the Board. Courses from the Technical College System of Georgia, Board of Regents, Department of Education, or American Red Cross meeting this requirement may be accepted.
2 hours: Industry-related topics in any area of barbering registered with the Board.
First renewal exemption: If this is your first renewal after receiving your license, you are excused from continuing education requirements. This exemption applies only to your first renewal.
CE waiver: Licensees who have held a license for 25 years or longer, or those over age 65, may request a waiver of continuing education requirements.
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
If your license is not renewed by December 31, it enters a 30-day late renewal period (January 1-31). During this time, you can still renew but the fee doubles to $100.
After 30 days, the license is considered lapsed and cannot be renewed. You must apply for reinstatement, which requires additional documentation and proof of continuing education for all renewal cycles missed. The Board cannot waive CE requirements for reinstatement applications.
It is illegal to work with an expired license in Georgia. Doing so may result in fines, disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution.
Transferring an Out-of-State Barber License to Georgia
Georgia offers licensure by endorsement for barbers who hold a current, active license in another state or U.S. territory. Note: Georgia technically does not have reciprocity agreements—every out-of-state application is reviewed individually.
Requirements for Endorsement
To apply for licensure by endorsement, you must hold an active, current license in good standing from another state or U.S. territory, provide a letter of certification from each state where you have been licensed (sent directly from that state’s board to Georgia), demonstrate that you passed both a written and practical examination in English without the assistance of a translator, and submit proof of high school diploma or GED.
The endorsement application fee is $75 (non-refundable). The application must be notarized and submitted by mail—online applications are not available for endorsement.
If you can provide proof that you passed a national or state-approved written and practical exam in English, additional examinations are not required. If you cannot provide this proof, you may be issued a Letter of Eligibility and required to take the Georgia exams.
States Without Reciprocity
Georgia does not extend reciprocity to certain states. According to official sources, Georgia does not endorse barber licenses from Alabama, California, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, or Washington. Applicants from these states may need to pass additional examinations or provide additional documentation.
For all other states, endorsement applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis per O.C.G.A. 43-10-9.
Cross-Over Licensing
Georgia allows licensed professionals to add additional licenses through reduced training requirements.
Master Cosmetologist to Master Barber
If you hold a current Georgia Master Cosmetologist license, you can obtain a Master Barber license by completing 300 hours of training at a Board-approved barber school in shaving, beard services, and barbering techniques, then passing the Master Barber written and practical examinations.
Master Barber to Master Cosmetologist
If you hold a current Georgia Master Barber license, you can obtain a Master Cosmetologist license by completing 300 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school in skincare, nails, and cosmetology techniques, then passing the Master Cosmetologist written and practical examinations.
What Can You Do with a Georgia Master Barber License?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 43-10-1), a Master Barber license authorizes you to perform:
Hair services: Cutting, trimming, shaping, styling, shampooing, and conditioning hair.
Shaving: Shaving the face and neck with straight razors, safety razors, and other implements.
Beard and mustache services: Trimming, shaping, styling, and grooming facial hair.
Chemical services: Hair coloring, bleaching, permanent waving, and chemical relaxing (Master Barber only—not Barber II).
Scalp treatments: Massage, conditioning treatments, and scalp care.
Facial services: Basic facial treatments within the barbering scope.
Master Barber vs. Barber II
| Service | Master Barber | Barber II |
| Hair cutting and styling | Yes | Yes |
| Straight razor shaving | Yes | Yes |
| Beard/mustache services | Yes | Yes |
| Shampooing and conditioning | Yes | Yes |
| Hair coloring | Yes | No |
| Permanent waving | Yes | No |
| Chemical relaxing | Yes | No |
| Training hours (school) | 1,500 | 1,140 |
Master Barber vs. Master Cosmetologist
| Service | Master Barber | Master Cosmetologist |
| Straight razor shaving | Yes | Limited |
| Hair cutting and styling | Yes | Yes |
| Hair coloring/chemical services | Yes | Yes |
| Nail services | No | Yes |
| Esthetics/skincare | Limited | Yes |
| Training hours (school) | 1,500 | 1,500 |
Military Provisions
Georgia offers accommodations for military members, veterans, and military spouses:
Expedited licensing: The Board may expedite processing for military applicants.
License extensions: If your license expired while serving on active duty, Georgia provides pathways to reinstate your license without penalty.
Experience credit: Military training and experience in barbering may be considered toward licensing requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Georgia Barber Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the national median hourly wage for barbers was $16.95 per hour (approximately $35,250 annually). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.82 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.76 per hour.
Beauty Schools Directory reports the average salary for barbers in Georgia at approximately $47,360 per year ($22.90 per hour), with a range from $18,330 to $85,600. The number of barber careers in Georgia is expected to grow by 11% between 2022 and 2032, more than double the national projection.
Georgia has strong employment demand for barbers, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The highest-paying metro areas for barbers in Georgia are in and around Atlanta.
Note that BLS data does not capture income from tips, commissions on product sales, or self-employment earnings, which are common in the barbering industry and can significantly increase total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed barber in Georgia?
Most people complete the process in 10 to 12 months. A full-time 1,500-hour school program takes a minimum of 9 months. The apprenticeship pathway requires a minimum of 18 months and 3,000 hours. After completing training, the exam and application process adds another 2 to 4 weeks.
Does Georgia require both a written and practical exam?
Yes. Georgia requires both a written (theory) examination and a practical examination. Both are administered by PSI Services LLC using the National Barber examination (NIC). Both exams require a 70% passing score. If you fail one portion, you only need to retake that portion.
Can I transfer my out-of-state barber license to Georgia?
Yes, through licensure by endorsement. Georgia reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. You must provide license verification from all states where you have been licensed and proof that you passed written and practical exams in English. Georgia does not endorse licenses from Alabama, California, D.C., Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, or Washington, so applicants from those states may face additional requirements.
Does Georgia offer an apprenticeship pathway?
Yes. Georgia is one of the states that offers a full apprenticeship pathway to licensure. The apprenticeship requires 3,000 hours of supervised training over a minimum of 18 months. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and train under a Master Barber with at least 36 months of licensure. Apprentices must take the theory exam within the first 12 months of the apprenticeship.
What is the difference between a Master Barber and Barber II license?
The Master Barber license requires 1,500 school hours (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours) and allows you to perform all barbering services including chemical services like hair coloring, permanent waving, and relaxing. The Barber II license requires only 1,140 school hours (or 2,280 apprenticeship hours) but does not allow chemical services.
What continuing education is required in Georgia?
Georgia requires 5 hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years. Three hours must be a health and safety course, and two hours can be industry-related topics. Your first renewal does not require CE. Licensees with 25+ years of licensure or those over age 65 may request a waiver.
When do Georgia barber licenses expire?
Master Barber and Barber II licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, etc.). The renewal period opens approximately October 1, and the late renewal period runs January 1-31. After 30 days past expiration, the license lapses and requires reinstatement.
Can a cosmetologist get a barber license with reduced requirements?
Yes. If you hold a current Georgia Master Cosmetologist license, you can obtain a Master Barber license by completing 300 hours of additional training in barbering subjects at a Board-approved school and passing both the written and practical barber exams.
For a comparison of barber licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete barber license guide.
Official Resources
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217
Phone: (404) 424-9966
Website: Georgia Secretary of State – Cosmetology and Barbers
Apply Online (GOALS Portal):
How-To Guide: Master Barber, Barber II, Barber Instructor
Apprentice Application:
Apprentice License Application (PDF)
FAQ and License Information:
Georgia Board FAQ
Continuing Education Information:
Continuing Education Requirements
Out-of-State (Endorsement) Application:
Endorsement Application (PDF)
Schedule Your Exam (PSI Services):
PSI Georgia Cosmetology and Barbers
Phone: (855) 744-0314
Candidate Information Bulletin:
PSI Test Taker Guide for Georgia
License Verification:
Georgia Online Licensing
Georgia Administrative Rules (Chapter 240):
Rules of Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
Barber School Curriculum Rules:
Chapter 240-14: Barber School Equipment, Curriculum, and Instructor Training
Cross-Over Licensing Rules:
Chapter 240-7: Cross-Over Licensing
Georgia Code (O.C.G.A. § 43-10):
Cosmetologists and Barbers